The Motivator - Custom 1995 Ford Ranger

Ranger Evolution

We are all presented with challenging situations in life, and the outcomes always depend on how we handle the problems as they arise. You can either roll over and let those problems get the best of you, or you can take action and rise up to turn it around for a more positive result. Paul Bullis from Dunnellon, Florida, found that some obstacles actually hold a few surprise benefits.

This '95 Ford Ranger happens to be Paul's first truck that he started working on back in 1998. His first efforts and a simple paintjob were OK, but it wasn't quite the image he had in mind of how his truck should look when completed. Over the years, Paul has taken the buildup of his truck one step at a time, but the most recent go-through has taken his truck one step further. In doing so, he's taken his ride to a whole new level. This time, he did the truck a huge service by shaving the emblems and door handles, and repainting it.

Proud of its new look, Paul decided a little more work was in order. He brought the truck to Florida's Slamfest in 1999, hoping to take home a trophy or two. Unfortunately, that's not the way the cads were dealt, and Paul found himself going home empty-handed. This caused him to take yet another look at the way his truck had been completed to that point. His Ranger was taken off the road yet again after the 1999 Slamfest, and Paul was more determined than ever to turn failure into success. Paul said, "I went home and started cutting and grinding, and one thing led to another."

Now, not only has he achieved the new look he was hoping for, but the truck is also featured in his favorite magazine. Paul credits going to Slamfest with motivating him to become truly competitive with his Ford. "I always dreamed about having a feature truck, but I never really focused on it until the past couple of years." Believe it or not, even in its current condition, this is still only an interim step for Paul and his Ranger. Future plans call for a new interior, a body drop, and a 302ci V-8 conversion. A pair of suicide doors and suicide hood will also be added before he changes the outward appearance of the truck with an upcoming new paintjob. When asked about the actual date of completion, Paul said, "probably never."